Sometimes, the demand for specific types of workers is dependent on the overall performance of certain industries, the economy and other important factors. When the economy is struggling, finding a job can be tough, especially one that pays a wage good enough to put food on the table and a roof over the family’s head.
So when choosing a career path, it’s smart to pursue something you enjoy, have a passion for and that has a promising job outlook. For many, a career as a union electrician provides a bright future.
[Read Part 6 of our series – A rewarding career for women]
In-demand career
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2014 to 2024 (from 628,800 to 711,700), which is much faster than the average for all occupations. As homes and businesses require more wiring, good quality electricians will be needed to install the necessary systems.
CR Electric is one of our NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractors who employs quality union electricians in the Mahoning Valley
Overall growth of the construction industry and the need to maintain older equipment in manufacturing plants also will require more electricians. Alternative power generation, such as solar and wind, is an emerging field that should require more electricians for installation. Increasingly, electricians will be needed to link these alternative power sources to homes and power grids over the coming decades.
Also, the job prospects for union electricians should be very good as many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants. In addition to job growth, there also are a large number of electricians approaching retirement age, which should produce more job openings in coming years.
Work in the Mahoning Valley
As demand for professional and quality electrical work increases in the Mahoning Valley, so will the opportunity for Valley natives to find great jobs right here at home.
NECA-IBEW Electricians is a professional organization of the Mahoning Valley’s world-class, union electrical contractors serving Youngstown and Warren, Ohio; Western Pennsylvania and beyond. These contractors are experts in commercial, industrial, green and residential electrical construction installations and maintenance.
NECA-IBEW Electricians promotes and supports the local and regional electrical industry while providing its membership with educational opportunities and the regional electrical workforce with certified and accredited apprenticeship and upgrade training programs.
The organization is affiliated with the Mahoning Valley Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 64 in Youngstown and IBEW Local 573 in Warren.
Not only does NECA-IBEW Electricians help support the local economy by providing good-paying jobs, drug-free workers and quality workmanship, members also invest in the communities where they work and live.
Member contractors routinely support community causes and events through donating money or services. Organizations they’ve recently supported include Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Youngstown State University, Warren Family Mission, Trumbull 100 and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.